The OTW by Vans x UNDERCOVER collaboration merges skate heritage with avant-garde artistry, redefining how sneakers tell stories of individuality and imagination.
What to know
- The collection features two key silhouettes: the Old Skool 36 and the Era 95.
- The Old Skool 36 celebrates Josep Baqué’s intricate bestiary, while the Era 95 showcases Jun Takahashi’s own sketches of Jack Russell Terriers.
- Available from October 29, exclusively for registered users on vans.com/OTW and select retailers.
The Creative Dialogue Between Vans and UNDERCOVER
OTW by Vans continues its mission to unite skate culture with global creativity through a new partnership with UNDERCOVER, the label founded by Jun Takahashi. Known for his mix of punk attitude and conceptual style, Takahashi brings emotional depth and meticulous detail to Vans’ design language. Together, they create a collection that feels classic yet daring, balancing tradition and innovation with ease.
The Old Skool 36 and Josep Baqué’s Hidden World
The Old Skool 36 pays tribute to Josep Baqué (1895–1967), a Barcelona-born artist and former police officer who lived a quiet, solitary life. During the 1930s, he drew more than 1,500 creatures that merged human and animal forms. His intricate works, created with ink and gouache, often featured touches of gold and silver. The sneaker’s printed upper brings Baqué’s surreal universe to life, while reflective accents and subtle branding add modern energy. As a result, a familiar skate icon becomes a canvas for imagination.
The Era 95 and Jun Takahashi’s Personal Touch
The Era 95 explores a more intimate theme. Its canvas upper displays embroidered Jack Russell Terriers, drawn by Takahashi himself. These sketches honor his own dog and symbolize loyalty and emotion—recurring motifs in his creative work. Offered in deep red and clean white tones, the Era 95 combines refined detailing with Vans’ timeless skate construction. It feels both expressive and effortless, proving that emotional storytelling can elevate even the most recognizable silhouette.
Storytelling Through Design and Craftsmanship
Each pair in the OTW by Vans x UNDERCOVER collection merges design precision with cultural meaning. Durable canvas materials, high-contrast stitching, and co-branded midsoles reinforce both function and artistry. Moreover, the collaboration highlights how storytelling drives sneaker design today. It’s not only about what you wear, but also about the message behind it.
Why This Collaboration Matters
This release connects art, fashion, and streetwear in a way that feels authentic. By linking Baqué’s rediscovered drawings with Takahashi’s modern narrative, Vans and UNDERCOVER show how creativity crosses generations and disciplines. For collectors, skaters, and culture lovers, this drop represents a meaningful evolution in footwear collaborations—where emotion, craft, and history walk side by side.
Follow Sneakerize.gr On Instagram
Like Sneakerize.gr On Facebook
Follow Sneakerize.gr On Twitter
